Definition
Transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) is surgery to remove tumors from the bladder. The bladder is the sack that holds urine. This type of surgery is done without making cuts into the skin. Recovery is faster than with open surgery.
Reasons for Procedure
TURBT is done to remove growths that might be cancer or are causing problems. It may be done if the growths are causing bleeding.
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but there is always some risk. Some problems after the surgery may be:
- Sore throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Harm to the bladder
Talk to the doctor about ways to handle things that may raise the risk of problems, such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Health problems like diabetes
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
You will need to:
- Arrange for a ride home.
- Talk to your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking. Some may need to be stopped up to 1 week before surgery.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
Anesthesia
General or spinal anesthesia may be used. General anesthesia causes you to sleep. Spinal anesthesia numbs the lower body, but you will be awake.
Description of the Procedure
A small scope will be placed into the urinary opening. It will then be passed up into the bladder. This scope will let the doctor see inside the bladder. A wire loop can also be passed to the bladder. This loop will be used to remove tumors that are found. Spots of abnormal tissue may also be removed for testing. A catheter may be placed to help drain the bladder and help the bladder heal.
How Long Will It Take?
About 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size and locations of the tumor(s)
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Medicine can help ease pain after.
Average Hospital Stay
Most people go home the same day. Others may need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Medicine will be given to ease pain. The catheter will be removed.
At Home
Some activity may be limited for up to 4 weeks.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heavy bleeding or clots in urine
- Pain that does not go away with medicine
- Urinary problems, such as burning, frequent urge, or not being able to pass urine
- If you have a catheter and it is not working as it should
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org
Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca
Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org
References
American Urological Association and Society of Urologic Oncology (AUA/SUO) guideline on diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can be found at AUA 2016 Apr or in J Urol 2016 Oct;196(4):1021.
Bladder cancer surgery. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Updated January 30, 2019. Accessed June 3, 2020.
Management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer . Updated March 12, 2019. Accessed June 3, 2020.
Trans urethral removal of bladder tumour (TURBT). Cancer Research UK website. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment/early/trans-urethral-removal-tumour. Updated July 22, 2019. Accessed June 3, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
- Review Date: 07/2020
- Update Date: 07/08/2020